Vatican

2017

Commemorative coin

1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Official Journal of the European Union

The design features Saint Peter and Saint Paul and their symbols, respectively the keys and the sword. At the top is the inscription ‘CITTÀ DEL VATICANO’, in semi-circle. At the bottom, in semi-circle is the inscription ‘1950o DEL MARTIRIO DEI SANTI PIETRO E PAOLO’. At the bottom left is the year of issuance ‘2017’ and at the bottom right is the mint mark ‘R’. Between them is the name of the artist ‘G. TITOTTO’. The coin’s outer ring depicts the 12 stars of the European flag.

Additional information

Inspired by the classical iconography relating to the two apostles, the coin designer on the left designed Simon Peter († circa 67) with a rounded head and curly hair and beard, in addition to his iconographic saint attribute, the key to the Gate of Paradise of the Kingdom of Heaven. To the right is Paul of Tarsus († c. 67), who was executed by sword under Emperor Nero, with longer features and a longer beard, with a sword as an attribute.

Edge lettering

Designer